Stevens Offers International Education, Research, and Student and Faculty Exchange Opportunities through Partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University

8/1/2013

On July 26, 2013, university leaders from Stevens and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) School of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Civil Engineering (NAOCE) signed a memorandum of understanding for academic cooperation between the two research universities. The memorandum establishes the framework for international collaboration on research and education programs, as well as the exchange of students and faculty.

SJTU is a public research university located in Shanghai, China which enrolls 42,881 undergraduates, masters and doctoral students. Renowned as one of the oldest and most prestigious and selective universities in China, it is home to 11 state key laboratories and national engineering research centers, including the State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering within the NAOCE, which focuses on the design and construction of ship and ocean structures, engineering mechanics and fluid mechanics.

“Stevens and SJTU share many academic and research synergies, especially in the fields of ship design and ocean engineering,” said Michael Bruno, dean of Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. “This formal collaboration presents numerous opportunities for both universities to advance knowledge in these fields by fostering partnerships among our faculty members in important research areas.”

Vice Provost Ralph Giffin said SJTU is a natural partner to Stevens, given its top academic ranking in China and throughout the world, and its strong infrastructure for student exchange.

“Collaborating with SJTU will enhance the quality of students who study with us from China while also offering our students international experiences in Shanghai, an impressive and important global city,” said Giffin.

To formally finalize the memorandum of understanding, Provost George Korfiatis, Giffin and Bruno hosted a delegation of university leaders from SJTU, including Vice Dean Hua Liu, Professor Deyu Wang and Professor Shijun Liao. The universities plan to explore partnerships in other academic areas in the near future.